Sophie's choice: A metaphor for infertility

Sandelowski, Margarete

doi:10.1080/07399338609515758

Cited by 13 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…The extreme feminist and fundamentalist backlash relabeling infertility as a social construct because the desire to have children is but the result of social or cul tural pressures [20], or of earlier choices (tu bal ligation in earlier relationships, venereal diseases, postponement of childbearing, sin gle status or lack of a heterosexual partner) [21], is 'no less stigmatizing to those exper iencing infertility than earlier moralistic con structions of the disorder' [19], There is no doubt, however, that like with IVF often per ceived as a 'cure' for infertility the very exis tence of genetic technologies creates new needs and new desires.…”

Section: Social Pressuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, the philosophy of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecolo gists of Canada (SOGC) is that PND should never be performed in isolation but in the context of a multidisciplinary program in cluding counseling [J. Johnson and P. Mohide, SOGC. Toronto, Nov. 19,1990], Differ ent providers of PND claimed positive bond ing experiences in follow-up studies of chil dren or through the reduction of anxiety in pregnancies going to term. They reported a high degree of satisfaction with virtually all aspects of the experience [J. Johnson and P. Mohide, SOGC, Toronto.…”

Section: Public Voicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They reported a high degree of satisfaction with virtually all aspects of the experience [J. Johnson and P. Mohide, SOGC, Toronto. Nov. 19,1990, pre senting the results of an attitudes and accep tance survey of 300 women (before and after PND); see also C. Greenberg, Winnipeg. Oct. 24,1990], On the other hand, some women claimed that the decision to abort in the case of disability was often a prerequisite for accessibility.…”

Section: Public Voicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics, Toronto. Nov. 19,1990], Two further interventions bear mention here. The first is that offering PND to at risk couples is now considered a standard of pro fessional care [J. Johnson and P. Mohide.…”

Section: Public Voicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reproductive Genetics: Canadian and European Perspectives

Knoppers

Bris

1993

Fetal Diagn Ther

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Unlike medically assisted conception, the issue of the impact on women of reproductive genetic testing has been characterized by the emergence of a more ‘relativist’ position. This relativist position is grounded in the understanding of the universality of problems arising from human genetics. An analysis of the major reports emanating from different European countries will demonstrate that the discussion regarding the impact of medically assisted conception and reproductive genetic testing on women is often incidental and secondary. There are similarities and differences in the issues raised in the evaluation of both these technologies. Similarities, in their experimental character, the concomitant social pressure, the myth of the perfect child and the increased medicalization. Differences, in the inherent responsibility or guilt accompanying genetic testing, the timing of choices, the possibility of sex selection, the use and control of genetic information, the sense of intergenerational responsibility and the current qualification of such genetic testing as medical and diagnostic as opposed to a technology of ‘convenience’ as was often the case with the treatment of infertility. In contrast to the European reports, the work of the Canadian Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies has as its primary focus the impact of both these technologies on women, children and society.

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Section: Social Pressuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Public Voicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Public Voicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Public Voicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reproductive Genetics: Canadian and European Perspectives

Knoppers

Bris

1993

Fetal Diagn Ther

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“…Victims are blamed for their situation, such as older women seeking infertility treatment (Sandelowski, 1986). The community may shame women for delaying childbearing by victim blaming, as women are solely blamed for the choice they made and partially responsible for the harm they experience (Pennings, 2001).…”

Section: Psychological Stressors Associated With Infertility and Artmentioning

confidence: 99%

Expectations and experiences of midlife intending mothers engaging with Assisted Reproductive Technology

Hayward¹

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The age for optimal women's childbearing, with the best chance of delivering a healthy baby, is generally considered to be when aged in their 20s years. Some researchers propose that fertility declines occurs from 32 years of age. After this age women have a decreasing chance of conception attributed primarily to age-related chromosomal changes in their oocytes. Midlife intending mothers (women aged 35 and older) This research investigates perceptions of women's fertility decline and ART success from a group of women who had used ART, and from men and women in the community who may not have used ART. Women who had used ART and a community cohort were surveyed. Responses from these two groups were analysed separately and compared.Women who had used ART were asked about their experiences at their clinic, and if treatment had social or psychological repercussions. Participants asked about their perceptions of media portrayal of ART success for women aged 35 and older. The concept that ART has become commodified, where commodification is the transformation of services or entities into a commodity, is explored. Those who had used ART suggested recommendations for younger women about childbearing.A mixed-methods approach was utilised. Data were gathered from three cohorts of participants. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from an in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) support group (N = 68) and qualitative data from an interview group of IVF users (N=6) who had engaged with ART treatment either currently or recently. Some had conceived and some were still having treatment. The community group (N= 1243) comprised men and women over 18 years of age who participated in a Queensland-wide telephone survey. Quantitative data gathered from the support group and the community were analysed using SPSS. Qualitative data were explored via thematic analysis.Thematic findings from the interview group supported findings of the support group. Most women knew the benefits and risks of delaying childbearing and made an informed choice ii to use ART. Most were aware that fertility declined from the age of 35, yet this age group is the major consumer of ART. Most women younger than 40 years believed they would get pregnant and have a healthy baby. Only half of the women aged 40 years and older had that confidence. However, this insight may have been gained after using ART. Women found their experience physiologically and psychologically challenging and those who didn't conceive, found making the decision to stop treatment confronting. Some were confused on the published success rates, and expectations elevated from overall rather than age specific pregnancy not birth rates.Support group and interview participants felt delayed childbearing was mainly due to lack of a relationship partner whereas community members believed career or work aspirations. Both he support group and community group agreed that women's fertility declined from the age of 35 years but significantly more community members, and significantly more men th...

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